Position Summary:In the Senior Director, Product Development & Improvement - DSMI position, you'll lead a high-performing team of engineers and a program manager to drive innovation, product excellence, and continuous improvement across Direct Supply's proprietary brands. You'll oversee the end-to-end product development system-combining technical depth, execution rigor, and business acumen to deliver cost-effective, high-performing solutions that meet market needs and accelerate company growth.
Skills Needed:- Champions Innovation - Propels teams to unlock value with cutting-edge, tech-enabled innovations. Stays ahead of the tech curve, ready to embrace the next big thing. Leads with an entrepreneurial mindset and takes calculated risks.
- Drives Accountability & Results - Sets clear goals and ensures team members deliver top-notch results. Uses data and tech to boost accountability, pushing everyone to excel individually and as a team.
- Thinks Strategically - Anticipates future trends and aligns actions with long-term objectives. Draws on broad knowledge to craft future-focused plans that effectively translate strategy into action.
- Demonstrates Executive Presence - Ignites enthusiasm and inspires trust and confidence. Effortlessly captivates customers and Executives. Exudes a commanding presence while keeping cool and staying humble.
- Demonstrated technical expertise in product development, with proven results delivering innovative, cost-effective proprietary products.
- Excellent ability to lead complex engineering and program execution across innovation, cost-out, and quality initiatives.
- Strong decision-making grounded in business impact, execution velocity, and customer insight.
- Experience leveraging AI and automation to improve engineering efficiency and drive consistent outcomes.
What You'll Do and Impact: - Lead and develop Engineering and Program Management teams, driving accountability, alignment, and high-quality execution across all DSMI product initiatives.
- Own and optimize the full product development system, from concept to commercialization, across new products, cost-out, and improvement efforts.
- Translate business strategies into actionable engineering and execution roadmaps that fuel growth and operational excellence.
- Champion the use of AI and automation to enhance development efficiency, reduce time-to-market, and ensure delivery consistency.
- Partner with Category, Supply Chain, and Sales to align product development with customer needs and strategic goals.
- Oversee program budgets, forecasts, and resource planning to ensure alignment with investment priorities and business outcomes.
- Proactively manage risk, resolve cross-functional issues, and ensure technical decisions meet both regulatory and commercial requirements.
Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Design, Industrial, or related field required); advanced degree a plus
- 12+ years of experience in engineering and product development, with 10+ years in leadership roles
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams across Engineering, Program Management, and Operations
- Experience in regulated, consumer product, or healthcare-adjacent industries preferred
- Track record of delivering customer-centric innovations, margin improvements, and product scaling in complex environments
- Ability to travel by car and/or plane up to 15%
- Valid, unexpired driver's license with satisfactory driving record
Additional Items of Interest:- Experience in a Stage Gate or PMO-driven innovation system strongly preferred
- Voice of Customer experience and iterative design methodology highly valued
Job to be performed in the location listed. Generous benefit package available.
